Nutrition and Health Benefits of Cocoa
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| Illustration of the Nutrition and Health Benefits of Cocoa |
Nutrition and Health Benefits of Cocoa. The nutrients and benefits of cocoa are very diverse for body health, ranging from increasing energy, maintaining healthy skin, to reducing the risk of various diseases.
Cocoa or cocoa is the seed of the chocolate plant that is rich in nutrients. Cocoa beans can be processed into various types of foods and beverages, such as dark chocolate, puddings, ice cream, cakes, and pastries.
The benefits of cocoa are inseparable from the nutritional content in it. 100 grams of cocoa that has been processed into cocoa powder contains many of the following nutrients:
- Energy value 311 cal
- Protein 8.0 g
- Fat 4.0 g
- 48 in carbohydrates.9 g
- Fiber 32.6 g
- Calcium 125 mg
- Fosfor 715 mg
- Iron 11.6 mg
- Vitamin B1 0,12 mg
In addition, cocoa also contains a variety of other vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin E, vitamin K, folate, magnesium, as well as caffeine and antioxidants, such as polyphenols (flavonoids).
Unfortunately, the way cocoa is processed in various chocolate products can reduce or damage its nutritional content. So, to get the maximum benefits from cocoa, you should choose pure chocolate products that are low in sugar and fat and contain at least 70% cocoa.
Various health benefits of cocoa
There are various benefits of cocoa that can be used for body health, including:
1. Improves mood
Cocoa contains protein, caffeine, various types of minerals, and antioxidants that can improve mood. Some studies suggest that cocoa consumption can reduce stress and increase levels of the hormone serotonin in the brain, which can boost mood.
2. Increases Energy and Focus
Pure cocoa contains calories, protein, and natural sugars, which are useful as a source of energy for the body to carry out daily activities. In addition, cocoa also contains caffeine, which is a natural stimulant that can improve concentration, relieve drowsiness, and make the body more energetic.
3. Maintain healthy skin
There are already many skincare products that contain cocoa. No wonder cocoa can really be used to moisturize and maintain healthy skin. In addition, the vitamin E content in cocoa can also help prevent skin aging.
4. Improves Cognitive Performance and Maintains Brain Health
Various studies show that the antioxidant content of cocoa can help improve cognitive performance and help maintain brain health. Cocoa can increase blood flow to the brain, as well as reduce inflammation and damage to nerve tissue and brain.
It can improve brain function, prevent senile dementia, and reduce the risk of degenerative brain diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
5. Reference Weight
Eating chocolate is often associated with being overweight. In fact, not all types of chocolate can make the body fat. Pure cocoa, which is low in fat and sugar, or dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa, is known to be good for weight loss and maintaining an ideal weight.
Some studies also say that the nutritional value of cocoa, especially flavonoids and proteins, plays a role in the body's metabolic processes and energy processing, reducing appetite and providing a feeling of fullness for longer. This makes cocoa good to consume for appetite control and obesity prevention.
6. Controls blood sugar levels
If cocoa and its processed products are not consumed in excess, they can also help maintain normal blood sugar levels. This is good for reducing the risk of developing diabetes. Cocoa is beneficial because it slows the absorption of carbohydrates in the intestines, increases the effectiveness of the hormone insulin, and helps the body's tissues use sugar as an energy source.
7. Reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease
Cocoa is beneficial for reducing the risk of heart disease. This is due to the potassium, flavonoids, fiber, and various minerals in cocoa, which can lower and control blood pressure, prevent hypertension, and lower bad cholesterol (LDL) levels.
High cholesterol and blood pressure are some of the factors that can increase the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, such as heart disease and stroke. This is what makes cocoa a type of food that is useful for maintaining heart health.
8. Reduces the risk of cancer
Regular consumption of cocoa products can also reduce the risk of cancer. The reason is, the high antioxidant content of cocoa has been shown to protect the body from cell damage and damage caused by free radicals, which can reduce the risk of developing cancer cells.
It's important to remember that cocoa contains caffeine in the same way as coffee. Therefore, it is not recommended to consume chocolate before bed as it can make it difficult for you to sleep.
The nutrients and benefits of cocoa are indeed very diverse for the health of the body. Be wise in choosing cocoa products and do not consume them excessively. You can also consult a doctor online to find out the right portions and cocoa products for your body condition.
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